AN: I'm sorry for the confusion…Yep Sasuke is ten years older than Sakura here…I actually got the idea from Rurouni Kenshin…but yeah, it's a bit awkward in the first few chapters…because of the age difference…although later on I promise it would be much better…
By the way, I'll be introducing a new character in here, he'll be a very important character in the future chapters…
Please bear with me, the first few chapters would be a bit boring…but they are important for the story…
Well anyway, here's the next chappie…
CHAPTER 2: Wolves Enticed
The whole palace was in panic.
Sakura was missing.
The Hokage never looked so defeated yet his present aura exudes just that. The always loud Tsunade was silent. Husband and wife supporting each other, trying hard to appear strong.
But Sasuke knew better, she wasn't kidnapped or killed. Two years with the girl taught him that she wouldn't go down without a fight. If something bad happened to her, he knew she would at least leave them a sign. She was a very smart girl. There was none after he inspected the whole area.
That stupid idiot! Everyone's worried and what does she do? Run off to who knows where! I swear when I find her!...
Yet he still couldn't erase the small fear slowly forming inside him. He tried to tell himself that it was only because he didn't want to fail any mission and that was why he was so worried. Even so, it didn't feel quite right.
Think Sasuke! Where could she have gone?...the forest!
If there was one thing Sakura liked best other than pestering him, it was the forest. He was even persuaded to go there once. But how could she have gone there? The guards are stationed at the gates 24/7.
Then something clicked in his brain, Sasuke went to the garden…and just as he expected, there was a small opening behind the bushes on the back part, leading to the forest.
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The fear he was feeling earlier escalated to a whole new level.
He found her unscathed, but she was kneeling with a very ferocious wolf, he doubted if she would remain so.
"Sakura! Don't move! I'll kill it before it even touches you!"
The wolf, as if sensing his ill-intent, bared its fangs against him. He went into stance and prepared to attack. But her voice, ever so calm stopped him.
"Sasuke-kun, it's fine. He's just scared and sad."
She faced him, and he saw what was behind her, another wolf, but with no life at all. Apparently she was trying to revive it. Then his heart went out to her when he saw her tear-streaked face.
"I t-tried Sasuke-kun. But his mother is already dead when I got here. I heard that wolf's call last night and that was why I left. I-I know I made everyone worry, demo, demo…"
Dropping his guard he moved towards the odd pair, the wolf was still wary of him but it didn't make any move. Sasuke finally reached Sakura, he knelt in front of her and placed his hand on top of her head.
"Don't cry hime, that little wolf won't like it if you cry. Besides, he knows you tried your best, and that's what matters. Ne?" he turned to the wolf and held out his hand, it sniffed his hand then feeling it meant no harm, went closer to Sasuke and Sakura.
Sakura immediately went to the wolf, she pressed her face on his fur.
"Gomen ne, but I promise you won't be alone anymore, I'll take you home and we'll be together forever with Sasuke-kun! Right Sasuke-kun?"
"Hai, come on Sakura, Hokage-sama and your mother are waiting for you back home."
"Ok, Sasuke-kun, I feel sleepy…"
He caught her as she fainted, the wolf still in her arms. He carried her in one arm, the wolf on the other. The wolf looked at him as if asking if his savior was alright.
"Don't worry, she's just tired."
Only later did he find himself pondering on how strange his behavior has become ever since he met Sakura.
He knew he looked comical when he returned to the palace, the guards were trying hard not to laugh as he went in. He kept his temper in check when he faced Jiraiya, smirking at his own expense. Tsunade was the one who spoke.
"That new look suits you well Sasuke. But tell me, what are you doing carrying my daughter together with a dangerous animal?"
"The wolf is harmless." He inwardly winced, earlier he wanted to kill it and now he's defending. Even asleep, Sakura still finds ways to make things harder for him.
Tsunade raised her brow, not satisfied with his curt answer.
"Sakura found it in the forest. It would break her heart if we keep them apart."
"I see. Very well then, take them to Sakura's room. Good job Sasuke."
Sasuke gave them a curt nod then turned his back.
"And Sasuke?..." Jiraiya called.
He half turned and waited for what the Hokage would say.
"Thank you."
Sasuke gave another nod and walked away.
It was worth it.
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Days passed by.
The same things happened, he would watch over her and she would smile and annoy him as much as he can. Their routine was one he has come to cherish. Without Sakura knowing it, she has found a place in his heart. Without Sasuke noticing, he was slowly becoming warmer because of the girl. He had no way of knowing that he would be caring this much for someone.
Maybe, that is the reason why I'm finding it hard to say what I have to say…
He had been putting it on hold for weeks. He didn't know why he was having trouble telling her. He didn't even have to say anything at all. Yet he wanted to, it would break her heart if she finds out. But it would be much painful if she finds out from someone else.
He looked back at her as he heard her musical laughter. She was playing with Naru-chan again. He smiled at the memory…
Flashback
"Sakura, please keep the wolf away from me when I have paperwork to do."
"Don't be mean Sasuke-kun, don't call Naru-chan 'the wolf'…He has a name."
"Naru-chan? What kind of a name is that?"
He chuckled when she glared at him.
"It's a very cute name! I named him after my friend Naruto!"
"Ah, that dobe."
"Don't call him that!"
He only smirked at her. Naruto was only a year younger than him, but he was very childish and that was why he clicked with Sakura. Like Sasuke, they were both protective of her.
Sasuke also trusted him, so he chose Naruto as his replacement for the time he was away. He stood up and walked towards the girl. Enough running, it was time to tell her.
"Sakura."
She stopped playing with Naru-chan and faced Sasuke.
"What is it Sasuke-kun?"
She smiled brightly at him and for a moment, Sasuke was having second thoughts on telling her.
"Sakura…I-I have to leave."
And he wanted to die when he saw her world shattering in her eyes.
Flashback
"You called for me, Hokage-sama?"
"Ah Sasuke, you're here. As we are speaking we are running out of time, so I must go directly to the point. I am sending you to join our forces in Mist, war is brewing and forces opposing us are gathering. We are at a disadvantage, if the enemy crosses the border, we are done for. Your skills are needed, Orochimaru has agreed to aid us in battle, you may retrieve your troops in Sound and lead them to battle. That is all. If you have any questions ask them now."
"What about Sakura?" he didn't know why that was the first thing that came to his mind.
Jiraiya seemed to have been taken aback.
"It seems that my little girl has found a place in your heart, Uchiha."
"Hn."
"I am currently looking for someone to replace you."
"Let me be the one to do that Hokage-sama, I know just who we could trust and depend on."
"Very well, I trust your judgment."
A tug on his pants brought him back to reality. Naru-chan was happily chewing it away, oblivious to the sorrow of her mistress.
"Y-you're joking right Sasuke-kun? You can't leave! You promised, you said you'd wait for me to grow old! And…and you said that you, me and Naru-chan would be together forever!"
He finally lost control, he gathered her in his arms as her tears soaked his shirt.
"I'm so sorry hime, demo…I promise I'll come back, I just have to go away for a while, to protect your country, to protect you."
"NO! You promised! I hate you!"
He could do nothing but watch her run away. Naru-chan looked at him for a while, then he ran after Sakura.
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The day of his departure came.
He smiled bitterly as he realized he was going to leave with a heavy heart. Sakura avoided him for days, and since Naruto was already there to take his place he had no other reason to stay with her all the time.
"Hey, teme…Ready to leave?"
"None of your business dobe."
"No need to be so cranky, I've been trying to convince Sakura-chan to at least say goobye. But she just won't budge. She's just like you, so stubborn."
"Let her be. I just hope that…" someday she'll forgive me.
"What was that?" Naruto's blue eyes twinkled with curiosity.
"Nothing, just take care of her Naruto. I will hunt you down if anything happens to her."
"Don't worry Sasuke."
"Hn. I'm leaving."
The gates opened and he started walking.
"SASUKE-KUN!"
A surge of joy swept through his whole body. He couldn't mask the happiness in his eyes. He went down to her level as she approached.
"I thought you wouldn't even say goodbye."
"I thought so too. But I made this all night with my father, and I couldn't just throw it away. After all the hard work we did."
Then she held out her palm and on it was a kunai, a red ribbon was tied at the end and his name engraved on the handle.
"That's my ribbon there, make sure you return it to me ok?"
"Hai. I will definitely keep this promise."
Sakura smiled at him and pecked him on his cheek.
"And that's for goodluck. I'll wait for you Sasuke-kun, come back safely."
He gave her another hug then continued on his journey.
Out of the sunshine and into my dark world…
AN: Hmm..Another chapter done!...Thanks for the wonderful reviews!:)